New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Auburn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kyle Thomas Samsel, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in October 2020, Samsel traveled across several states for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity with a minor.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, City of Cleveland (Ohio) Division of Police, and Webster (New York) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Samsel.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.